kareyquilts

Lynn: I did get the silcone sheets but haven't started using them. My doctor said to wait until after 3 weeks and then to use vaseline twice a day. He said to wait on the silicone to see what the scar is doing. They are expensive so I guess I'll wait for a while. Every doc is different. Did yours tell you to use the silicone or did you just purchase them on MMH? Okay, I posted my first "after" shots on my thread. Pretty scary to put yourself out there like that! I'm beginning to appreciate everyone elses courage for doing it!

Julie: That is so exciting! Keep in touch and let me know how everything is going!

Well, I think I should have taken the picture right after my surgery (except I had the drains), because I am pretty swollen now, especially in the upper part of my stomach and around my belly button. As you can see, my breasts are still taped. Well this is embarassing, but here goes: Before:

StephC: I will have to look more closely for my LB scars. I think they might have been cut out! I will look tomorrow when I shower and change my compression/tortue garment!

Julie: Just thinking about you and hoping you are doing well. I am 2 weeks post op from my TT, BL, BA, port change and lipo. Love my new tummy. Thanks for being such a mentor.

Amy: I think that the lipo on me are the sorest parts, also. Especially now that the muscle repair doesn't hurt so much. I think that getting energy levels back is the next thing. I wonder how much blood is lost with lipo? Have you had your CBC checked? I only have 1 9 year old at home. I'm already back to the car pool, etc. You have my sympathy with several young ones at home! I guess just try to simplify! Easier said than done, I know!

Nancy: Not to worry! I did the same thing, in fact, when I weighed at 2 weeks I had gained weight. I was eating about the same calories. You were pumped up with a lot of fluids and air from your surgery. It takes a while to get rid of that. Soon you'll get on the scale and it will show a 6 pound loss. Just keep following the rules. You'll be fine! Good luck!

LJM: How's the swelling going now?

IceCream: Glad you found the thread. Sounds like your doing really well! I guess being younger helps! Glad the pain is getting better from the TT. You've really done well on your weight loss. Can you tell what your new body is going to look like? I have totally thrilled when I look down and see that the pannus is gone! Nina, are you out there? You have been very quite! I've started itching like crazy. It does get better, right?

StephC: I'm sure the fill will help. Do you exercise? That is the only way I lost the last 10 pounds. Foofy: You sound philosophical, as am I! I guess they use to donate skin like that to a skin bank, but now they have artifical skin, etc. TexasT: Thanks for checking on me! Nana: Is there any way there is still swelling in your breasts? I'm sorry they're still too big. I thought you're pictures looked great, for what it's worth! Today, I go for another lymphatic massage. They sure seem to help, besides feeling wonderful. Yesterday I had no energy at all, so I hoping that today will be a high energy day. It seems to work like that. Hardly feel any pain anymore, just stiffness from the lipo and yes I'm itching a lot. Will try and get DH to take some pictures tonight.

Amy: Can you be more specific about how you feel? Still having a hard time standing straight? Lots of swelling what? Just don't have the stamina? Wondering if I'll be saying the same things in a couple more weeks!

StephC: I am 5'6". I weigh 160. I was 164 before PS. I started this journey at 256. Are we similar?

I was a size 10 before the surgery. The 10's are loose but I haven't been shopping yet. My doc said the the final size can take up to 6 months, but around 3 months the lipo swelling should be all down. Plus I still want to lose another 10 pounds. I'm confident that I'll be at least an 8, but maybe a 6 when it's all said and down. I really am starting to get jazzed about what can be done with plastic surgery. I feel like I have a new lease on life. It's like a miracle. Will try and post some after pictures tomorrow.

Today I got my last 2 drains out. It feels great. Now I can wear regular clothes without the tubes sticking out and the drains causing bumps. Didn't hurt much either. Went out to lunch today. I think I'm going to survive this after all. LOL! I'm attaching a picture of the skin they took off. I asked my PS to take a picture because I was curious and because I remember when I had to have my uterus removed that I felt a big loss. Now, I can't say I feel sad about losing this skin, at all. But I still wanted to see it. It (the skin) did a lot for me. As in helping me to carrying 4 children. Don't think I'm too weird but here it is!

IceCream: Glad you're starting to feel better! It gets better everyday. Here is the link: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f12/february-march-08-plastics-48924/index33.html#post762675 Amy: Thanks for the info. Our flight will take 10 1/2 hours! Hopefully in 2 more weeks I'll be up for it.

I got my last 2 drains removed today! Hip Hip Hooray!

Amy: Looking great! I'm suppose to go to Puerto Rico with my DH in 3 weeks. I was wondering about the compression garment and a bathing suit, but I guess you just don't worry about it?! Did you have to travel far? I still hurt when bouncing in a car. Did the travel make you swell more?

IceCream: Congratulations! You're going to feel 100% better in 2-3 days. I am able to get up and down now quite easily. Why don't you join the Feb/March plastics thread? I'm 10 days out now and I'm walking quite upright and without pain. Just rest and enjoy the fact that you can. Speedy recovery!

StephC: I'm glad your friend rallied. I haven't heard another word from my friend and don't expect to for a while. The bridal shower is April 12th, so unless she decides to cancel it, I guess we'll have to talk in a while. Ghost: I love that saying and I'm going to write it in my favorite sayings book right now. I didn't tell very many people about my surgery, but I've been surprised by who has been there for me and who hasn't. Not sure it's totally accurate to judge how good a friend they are by that, because I think that some people react differently to illness, etc, but it has certainly made me think. Also, has made me think about what I will do in the future when someone I care about is ill or has surgery. It's all good. The universe continues to teach and hopefully I learn.

StepC: Read my thread and you'll see that probably everyone has friends who are going to be jealous of your TT. I was 15 pounds from goal when I had my TT and the doc told me it was the perfect time to have it. He said if I lose alot more weight after the TT I might need a slight revision, but it's not going to be a big deal. I won't need the muscle repair, just a small incision and a little nip and tuck. I'm thinking of having my arms and back side done, so I am planning on more weight loss and if I need to, I'll get a little revision of the TT at the same time. LJM: Maybe you shouldn't get on the treadmill for a little while longer. You are doing so well, but why push it? I guess you know best, though. Let me know how it goes for you and if you get more swelling or pain when you do it.

I'm a tree trunk too! Oh so flat on the stomach, but on the upper part of my stomach up towards my bra, I have a lot of swelling. Hoping that's what it is! Marillon: I think the only way you can get enough protien is to supplement with protien shakes. That's what I do. The best time to supplement is in the morning, after a workout or before bed. At bed time I take a form of protein called "casein" it is a thicker protein that releases more slowly and helps to regulate blood sugar and keep your muscles from cannabalizing themselves. I find it helps me sleep better. I hope you can find it in Holland! Lynn: I purchased the silicone gel and the silicone stips. They are very pricey. I bought them on Make Me Heal. If you find a cheaper source please let me know. My doctor highly recommends using them. I figure I have a "huge" financial investment in this surgery, so I should see it through for the best results. Hope I'm right.

Julie: I exercised my guts out. I did everything that I could but the loose skin and skaggy boobs didn't go away. I think that Karri expressed it very well. My ob doc told me in no uncertain terms that I needed the PS for my health as well as self-image. If you have the fat and pannus removed on your abdomen, you will be at less risk for type 2 diabetes. Also, fat stored on the abdomen, also stores alot of estrogen, which put you at a lot higher rish for regaining the weight. My PS wants me to do my back side and under my arms, I'm not sure if I will or not, because of the cost to benefit thing. But, I'm seriously considering it. I am absoltely thrilled with my new tummy and breasts. I would go an see some PS and get their opinions. They may want you to loose a little more first or they may think that right now is the perfect time. Either way, I think that PS should be in your future! Good luck!

Today is a good day. I'm wearing clothes! YEAH! Think I will take some after pictures on Monday, when the last 2 drains come out. I tried on my old bras today to see how my new breasts would fill them out. I totally filled out the D cup, but I don't think I'll need to go any larger, which is exactly what I wanted to happen. Think I made the right choice about the augmentation. I guess if I didn't it would be too bad now?!

LJM: Your new belly button looks awesome!

Valarie: The MR was the most painful for me, but it was only bad for 2-3 days. Now, 9 days out, I am getting up and down with very little pain. It's definetly worth it. Of course, everyone is different, my breasts haven't bothered me at all. Based on my experience, I would get a small unfill before your surgery. MaryP: Glad you are doing better. Sounds like a very successful surgery. 14 pounds is a lot. Pretty expensive diet, huh?! LOL. Hope you continue to get better everyday! Marillon: Patience is hard. Does socialized medicine cover things like plastic surgery and lap bands? I've had to pay for it all out of my own pocket, but at least I could get the care I needed, when I needed it. So interesting, do you get to pick your doc or are you assigned one? Sounds like with all your complications, you still had very good care. I'm so glad you survived everything that happened to you! Keep up the posts! I'm feeling pretty good today. Since my unfill, I'm able to hold down food again and the nausea has gone away. I'll tell you that was such an awful feeling, I'm really glad it didn't happen any sooner, when the MR was so painful or I would have been in a really mess. Throwing up isn't easy on the stomach muscles!